Quick Tips to Make Your Home Safer!

When I became a mom, I couldn't have imagined the household accidents and injuries I would encounter.  And there have been many! Even the best of moms cannot prevent some of these everyday occurrences from happening.  But there are simple things you can do that can help your home be (at least a little!) safer!! Here are some I wanted to share with you!:

1) Periodically check chairs for wear or signs of cracking.  By checking the chair to see if it is at risk of breaking, you are saving a sore bottom and maybe even the chair. You may also want to check any loose screws so you don't lose a chair leg! Same goes for tables. Our coffee table had a loose leg, and without checking it out, it would eventually break.

2) Use the right tools for the job.  Make sure you are using a step ladder to get things up high, and that you put it back when you are done.  Using a chair shows your child they can use a chair.  Then they may push a chair to get to the goods you hide up high.  Of course they will probably figure it out anyways, but by showing them and telling them that you only use a ladder, they will know they shouldn't do it.

3) Never leave a burning candle unattended. Not even for a minute.  Doesn't matter where you put it. It seems like common sense, but I'm saying this because I did and literally it took a second. My friend's daughter climbed on the TV stand to get the candle (I'm not sure why, maybe to blow it out) and got hot wax on her. Luckily she was fine. Even though I had it way up high where I thought nobody could reach, kids will find a way to get to what makes them curious.

4) Speaking of things up high.....KEEP YOUR SCISSORS PUT UP!! Again, common sense. But you really need to keep them somewhere the kids will not get them. My 3 year old has cut her hair a few times, and each time she is quick and sneaky.  The last time, I was in the kitchen, she found them after climbing on all sorts of shelves and cut it within the 2-3 minutes I was right around the corner.  Since then I have kept them on top of the fridge, where they cannot get to it, even with a chair.

5) Keep your push pins in a safe place.  Nothing hurts like getting stuck in the foot.  A stray push pin can be painful.  I have a magnetic push pin holder that I keep up, so I can get one when I need it.  By storing them they are less likely to get loose and end up on the floor and in someone's foot.

6) Always have your child wear a helmet when using a bike or scooter.  It doesn't matter if they are right out front. Concrete hurts no matter where you are. Even on training wheels, a child can fall and hurt their head.  If you are biking you should also wear a helmet to show your child that it is important.  You child follows your lead!

7) Check your dryer lint trap.  Inspect it for any cracks or breaks where lint can get through.  Mine was able to be glued together and has held up to all my constant drying.  Lint in your dryer can cause a fire, so it is very important that the lint trap for damage.  Also be sure you have your dryer vented outdoors!

8) If a glass breaks, KEEP THOSE KIDS AWAY!! I remember when I was 8 years old and broke a glass measuring cup. My mom said to stay out while she got the broom and cleaned it. I felt so bad I thought I would help her by picking up the big pieces. I ended up with glass and some stitches in my foot.  Not fun! So if glass breaks, I suggest putting up a baby gate, or even storing a broom in the kitchen so you can get it quick. It literally takes a second for these kinds of accidents to happen. The faster you can get broken glass off the floor the better.

9) Of course you should never leave your baby unattended.  But I also recommend that you don't leave your baby near the edge of the bed even if you are right there. This includes co-sleeping or night time feedings.  If they do fall, they will likely be okay. But if they hit their head on anything it could be painful so be careful to avoid this type of accident.

10) Keep an eye on children playing on or near things they may climb on.  My baby tried to climb on a zebra toy that you can jump on and spin around.  She tried to put her leg over to climb on.  She missed, fell and bit her tongue.  She had played on it before no problem, so we didn't think anything of it.  This wasn't all that preventable.  But by staying close by, especially with toddlers, you may be able to catch them if they do fall!

These tips are pretty common, but sometimes we think we can skip the rules.  That is when an accident is likely to happen! I hope you enjoyed these great safety tips, and you can use them for your own household!!  Hopefully you can avoid some of the accidents I have encountered!  Also check out thesafestline.com for more great safety info!

I was entered in a contest to win a gift card for this post. No monetary exchange took place. Details here.

10 tips for smarter holiday shopping and gifting

Do you find yourself responsible for all the holiday shopping for your entire family? Are you wishing it could all be easier and take less time? Have you ever dreamed of a one-stop shop to cover all your holiday shopping and gifting needs? Even if you haven’t thought about Office Depot before as a holiday shopping destination, you should! Did you know that you can get gifts for everyone from your toddlers to your grandpa in one easy stop? Not to mention, Office Depot carries all your gift wrapping essentials and can ship your gifts directly from the store to your entire list!

 I have been the  main shopper for my family since it started lol!! Christmas is coming faster and faster every year.  Maybe it's because my kids are growing too and life is just so hectic!! When will I find time to get all the shopping done this year? How can I make it affordable and get great gifts for everyone on my list?  Well, I am here to share with you 10 tips for smarter holiday shopping and gifting!!  This year, use my advice to make the holidays a little less stressful!!

1.  Start early.  I find things throughout the year I can stock up for the holidays.  These can be anything for anyone.  This is also great to do right after Christmas or any holiday when toys and goodies go on sale.  Stick it in a big rubbermaid box and start saving for the following year.  You will have less of a price shock in the later part of the year if you spread the buying throughout the year!

2. Get those emergency gifts!! Then if someone needs a gift for a last minute party, or you are surprised with an unexpected gift, you have something on hand and ready to go.  Have wrapping supplies or gift bags handy to save a trip to the store.

3.  Save you old gift bags!! This is the best way to recycle and saves a trip to the store last minute or not having a bag when you need it the most! Get a large flat tupperware box and fill it with bags, then slide it under the bed for storage!! Then its accessible when you need it!

4.  Don't try to buy everything on your kid's list.  I know how much we all want to fulfill the whole list, but be realistic!  Buy a few of the top items that are the ones you know they really want.  When you have as much family as I do, they get enough from everyone anyways, and chances are it will be okay as long as they did get a thing or two they REALLY wanted!

5.  Shop online to beat the holiday lines!! Now a days online shopping can be so much cheaper than the mall, so why get all rushed and stressed trying to shop in a store with kids who are tired and hungry and a million other moms trying to get the same thing as you?? You could sit at home in your pj's and shop while you sip some cocoa!!

6.  Arrange a family gift exchange to save money.  My mother in law and I organize one every year with my husband and I, his sisters and their spouses, and my husband's parents.  Every couple gets a couple to get a gift for, with a $20 limit. We also have the kids swap and they have a $10 limit.  Then we aren't having to buy for everyone in the family, just the ones we drew from the hat.

7.  YOU CAN SAY NO TO SOME PARTIES!  I know holiday parties are fun but having to buy a gift for each exchange or a hostess gift can get pricey, so choose the ones that are most important and decline a few as well!  Then you will be able to spend a little less!

8.  Treat yourself too! While you are out getting your kids the best toy ever, or getting your hubby that amazing whatever it is that guys like, get a pedicure or grab a coffee with a friend.  Taking ME time is the best way to have a relaxing and enjoyable time getting the holiday shopping done!

9.  Get help! If you have someone hard to shop for, like your father in law or grandpa, take their spouse along to shop and help get a gift they are sure to love!  Plus its always more fun to shop with someone else (note this only works if you are best buds like me and my mother in law lol)

10.  Remember that Christmas isn't about the gifts! It is about our time together and how much we care for each other.  A thoughtful thing like a framed photo or something practical may be the best gift for people who have everything! My grandpa tells me every year he doesn't need anything but a card to say I am thinking of him.  Just shows that it is the thought that counts!!


There you have it, 10  ways to be smart about shopping and gifting this year!! Feel free to share your tips in the comments below!!

"I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Office Depot blogging program, making me eligible to get a $40 Office Depot gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

How to Make Long Distance Work for Your Relationship

As you may have read, my husband took a job about 7 weeks ago that is about 1,000 miles away from our family.  I am starting at Central Washington University this month, and we didn't want to pack up and move the family right away, so he is out there while I stay with our little girls. We have had to sacrifice alot.  But it has been a growing experience so far, and will be an overall good thing in the long run.

So I have put together some advice to help you, your spouse and your kids get through long distance families of any type.  Military families, long commute or any type of separation can benefit from these tips:

1. Make sure you call each other at least once a day if at all possible (With military of course this won't work).  It is more personal than text and email and helps to keep you connected to eachother.

2. That being said, try to be sweet or show your appreciation for the other spouse by sending a kind text during the day.

3. To keep it creative, surprise your partner.  My husband sent me flowers yesterday and it totally made my day ☺

4. Get web cams to do family video chats.  Let each child talk to the other parent individually so each gets a little one on one time and is able to share anything special that has happened.  This is such a great way to use technology to connect!

5. Talk about the situation with your kids. I cannot stress this enough. It is a tough transition on little ones when dad or mom goes away for a long period of time.  Explaining the situation and helping them to understand why these changes are taking place are crucial to helping them cope. Give extra hugs and kisses to make up for lost affection from your partner.

If your relationship and family can withstand a long distance separation, chances are you can cope with just about anything! I hope you find these tips useful for any situation you may need them for!

Uniroyal Tires Money Saving Driving Tips!

Follow these tips to save money when it comes to your car!
-Tire Maintenance:


Check the Tread Condition of Your Tires

Place a penny upside down in the most shallow tread groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then your tires need to be replaced (they are under 2/32″ of an inch).

Rotate Tires Regularly

Front tires tend to wear more quickly than rear tires. Periodical rotation of front and rear tires helps balance tread wear and extend the life of your tires. A good rule of thumb is to rotate them at every other oil change (or every 6,000 miles).

Checking the Air Pressure

Recommended tire pressure can be found on your vehicle’s tire placard on the doorjamb, the glove box or your vehicle’s owner’s manual – not on the tire’s sidewall, which is actually the maximum air pressure allowed. Check your tire pressure at least once a month when tires are cold (before driving one mile or three hours after driving).

Auto Maintenance

Change Engine Oil and Filter

Your engine’s oil and oil filter should be changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. Engine oil lubricant breaks down over time and needs to be changed frequently to protect the engine. When changing your oil, also have the oil filter replaced. It keeps dirt and particles away from the critical components in your engine, so be sure to have it changed to ensure clean burning and maximum efficiency.

Replace Clogged Air Filters

Change your air filter every 15,000 miles to prevent long-term damage to your engine’s internal components. Air filters help extend the life of the engine by keeping impurities in the air from penetrating it.

Check Your Fluids

Make sure your brake, power steering, coolant and transmission fluids are changed every 30,000 miles or so. The fluids can break down over time and need to be replaced. While they usually can be topped off at routine service intervals, be sure to change them regularly to protect your engine.

Money-Saving Driving Habits

Do drive the speed limit. At speeds above 60 miles per hour, gas mileage decreases rapidly.

Do use the air conditioning sparingly to save gas. Instead, while in town, roll down your car’s windows and enjoy the breeze.

Do park in the first spot you find. Not only is the exercise good, but you’ll save gas that would be used up driving around the parking lot in search of a closer spot.

Savvy Source Birthday Party Tips!

I got an email from Savvy Source and I had to share the contents with my readers! Here are some great tips for your child's next birthday bash!!

Bigger Isn't Always Better: Tips for a Fun and Manageable Birthday Party

June 01, 2010 by Kelly Leahy

When did children's birthday parties go from small gatherings of a few friends and relatives to full blown galas? We've seen princess parties for four-year-olds complete with invitations that looked like they could have come from the renaissance, pony rides and inflatable castles.

Your child's special day does not have to throw you into debt just to make it memorable. Here are a few tips on planning the perfect party and managing your child's expectations (and your own)

Start planning early. The earlier you start stocking up on supplies, the less it will hurt your budget. Invitations, decorations and favors can be purchased well in advance. A theme can be helpful with planning, but it's not necessary.

Set a start time and an end time. Unless you are interested in firing up the grill, pick times that don't coincide with meals like 1:00-3:00 p.m. or 2:00-4:00 p.m. If your child still takes an afternoon nap, why not have a morning party at 10:00 a.m.? This prevents afternoon meltdowns and allows your guests to have the rest of their day free.

Think of the parents. If you are partying with preschoolers, chances are the parents will be there too. Make sure to have plenty of adult snacks (and maybe some beverages, too). Have a place for them to sit and don't be afraid to ask for help. Chances are parents will jump at a chance to escape the small talk.

Activities. Kids are pretty good about entertaining themselves but planned activities can help considerably. Have a craft ready for the children to make as well as a more physical activity (piñata, kiddie pool or monkey bars) for the more rambunctious guests.

Party in a box. Sometimes the easiest and even most economical option is to rent out a space for your child's party. Whether it's a local pool, a party room at the zoo, or an indoor playspace, you can sit back and let a professional take over. This is a great option when inviting your child's entire class or when you just don't feel like cleaning the house twice.

To open or not to open. More and more often, we go to parties where the gifts are piled in a corner and left unopened until the guests leave. Though there are arguments that this prevents jealousy, guests often place quite a bit of thought into the gifts that they select and would like to see them opened. Also, this gives your child the opportunity to thank them in person. Opening gifts after the cake cutting gives people a chance to duck out if they don't want to sit through the paper flying. If you do opt to open them in private, be sure to send a thank you note, phone call, or at the very least, an email.

The most important things to remember are that kids are pretty happy little creatures as long as there is sugar around and that birthday parties only have to last about two hours. Relax and have fun!

What to do when your child is lost.

This past weekend, my husband and I had the scariest experience of our lives. We were at a local festival, where they had the park set up with dozens of booths for kids day. There must have been over 500 people in a park no bigger than 2 ½ acres. Well, we were getting ready to leave and my husband spotted a friend. I was going to the picture booth and had our youngest with me. My husband had our middle child and my oldest daughter was going to go with me but decided to go with daddy. After getting the picture that we had taken earlier, I went back to the spot I had left my husband. He was there with our middle daughter, but our oldest was no where to be found.



We both began to hunt the aisles of the fair for her, trying frantically to spot the little blonde girl in the swarms of people. As minute after minute ticked by, I began to get more and more scared, trying to figure out what went wrong and where she could be. Finally I spotter her across the way with a woman carrying her to the entertainment stage. I literally shoved my stroller through the crowd as I ran to get her. As I made my way I could hear the woman on the microphone, saying my daughter's name, that she really wants to find her parents Lisa and Brian and she's 4 years old. That was the happiest reunion ever!!! She was crying, I was crying....it was emotional!! I was so proud that she knew to find a nice woman to help her, and was able to tell her name, age and parent's names, even in a scary situation!! Here are my tips to helping your child be prepared if this should happen to you!!:

1. As soon as your child begins to speak, teach them her or his name. First and last. We even taught mine her middle name!! For us this began just after she turned 1, and by 18 months she had quite the vocabulary!
2. Teach your child the names of you and your spouse. Again first and last. Especially if somebody has a different last name than the child. The more info the child can supply in an emergency the better!


3. Teach your child to find a nice looking woman. Sorry to offend all you men out there, but it is more likely a man will snatch a child than a woman, NOT THAT WOMEN ARE NOT CAPABLE OF DOING SO. But generally it is recommended to seek an adult woman or police officer to help you. Or tell your child to find a woman with kids of her own.

4. When they are older, teach address and phone number. Of course teach them discretion as to when and with who they should share this, but its important to know in the case that they are kidnapped and will help reuniting happen faster.
5. Tell your child to try to stay in one spot if they should get separated from you. This makes it easier to find them and quicker too.


What do you do if your child goes missing?


If you are in public, search the immediate area you are in and last saw your child. Ask if anyone has seen your child. Always be sure you know what your child is wearing. If there are security guards or police, notify them of the missing child. If not, seek the customer service desk or an employee for help.


If your child is not found within a few minutes, contact authorities to help you find him/her. Time is precious and if your child has been abducted you want to be sure to get someone on the case a.s.a.p.


If your teen is missing, contact friends and family and see if anyone knows anything. Cases can be runaways or abductions, and you can never be too cautious. Your child's safety is the number one priority.



For more tips, visit these websites:

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Parents.com
life.familyeducation.com

Water Saving Tips

As we all know, water isn’t free. Sometimes we don’t think about just how much water we really are using!! We take for granted that we have clean, freshwater at our dispense! While other countries struggle with little or no water, we literally watch it go down the drain!!  Check out these surprising facts on water waste:

An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the typical person living in a developing country slum uses in a whole day (1)

The daily requirement for sanitation, bathing, and cooking needs, as well as for assuring survival, is about 13.2 gallons per person (1)

About 95% of the water entering our homes goes right back down the drain (2)

It is estimated that over half of the water used on yards is wasted due to over watering.  (2) 

Running the tap while you brush your teeth you can waste 4 gallons of water!! (2)

How can we save water???? Here are some fabulous tips from EarthEasy:

1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

2. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

3. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators  

Long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. "Low-flow" means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute. 

4. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads

Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.
With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer. 

 

5. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing
If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water

6. Water your lawn only when it needs it
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering.Use a conservation hose nozzle.  Another great way to save water in the yard is to collect rain water!

7. Don't run the hose while washing your car 

This simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car 

8. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks 

9. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. 

10. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables.
Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water

It is also important to teach our kids about conserving water!!  By starting them out early, water conservation will come natural and won't have to be a forced effort! You are your child's teacher, so you have to show them the way!!  Simply reminding them to turn off the water when not using it, or reminding them to be sure it is all the way off can save tons of water!! 

Did you know that in other countries, millions of women and children have to spend their day traveling to collect water from places that are polluted? Because it is the only water they have, they choose to do this to survive.  In 3rd world countries, people live off 3 gallons of water a day-the amount we use in ONE FLUSH.  We all need to take our part and be aware of the amounts of water we are wasting!! Let's take care of our Earth!

Sources

(1) www.water.org

(2) chelseagreen

Swaddle Designs Review and Giveaway

The best way to comfort your newborn and help him feel at home is to swaddle him (or her!) nice and snug! Looks pretty difficult to me!! Things never stay as nice and tight as when the nurses do it. Now, of course, they show you how to do it when you have your baby at the hospital...after 24 hours of grueling, exhausting labor. I'm sure you paid attention. But now you're at home with this tiny little person who is flailing his arms and you can't remember!?!? Well, rest assured that someone has heard your prayers Mom, and that person is Lynette Damir of Swaddle Designs!!

While visiting families with new babies, Lynette found that parents struggled with swaddling because they didn’t have the right kind of blanket (most were too small or too thick) and they could not remember how to make a good secure swaddle. Lynette wanted to share her knowledge of proper swaddling because she understood that parents needed help when trying to learn how to swaddle. Lynette designed The Ultimate Receiving Blanket® with 123 Swaddle® instructional tag sewn to its edge. Lynette’s blanket has helped hundreds of thousands of new parents learn how to swaddle to calm and comfort their newborns.   Check out their Swaddling Tips! (from Swaddle Designs)

Genius!! I was so thrilled to receive the Dots Stars and Hearts Receiving blanket!  The pattern is colorful and fun, and my daughter loves how soft it is!!
They have so many great patterns and different styles to choose from!! And I love that they put the instructions right there on the blanket, sewn in so it doesn't stick out!!

Swaddle Designs wants one of you to wrap your baby in style and comfort!! Here are the details!!:

One winner will win their choice of any style Ultimate Receiving Blanket

***MANDATORY ENTRY***THIS MUST BE DONE FOR ANY BONUS ENTRIES TO COUNT!
Go to Swaddle Designs and tell me which Ultimate Receiving Blanket. you will choose!! Leave me a comment with your answer!

For some extra entries, do the following, and for each that you do,  leave a separate comment below telling me you did it.  Example: if you  blog about it for 5 entries, leave 5 separate comments, such as "blogged here (leave me the link), entry #1" and  so forth.  shoot me an email at frugalfamilyfunspot(at)gmail(dot)com if  you have any questions!!

1. Follow Swaddle Designs on Twitter (for 1 bonus  entry!)

2. Follow Frugal Family Fun on twitter  (For 1 bonus entry!)

3. Follow me on Google friend  connect (For 3 bonus entries!)

4. Add my button to your  blog (For 3 bonus entries!) (Leave me a link to the blog!)

5.  Blog about this giveaway (For 5 bonus entries!) (Leave me a link to the  blog!)

6. Tweet about this giveaway!! MUST include the link to this review AND @FrugalFamilyFun AND @SwaddleDesigns

THIS CAN BE DONE  5 TIMES DAILY FOR 1  ENTRY PER TWEET. THESE MUST BE SPACED OUT, NO LESS THAN 1 HOUR  APART!!  (For 1 bonus entry each, total of 5 daily!)

7.Sign  up via email or RSS Feed through Google reader for our updates!(can do  both, 2 entries for each!)

8. Fan Swaddle Designs on Facebook


The contest will begin March 15,2010 and end April 14,2010 at 11:59 P.M.  PST.  One winner will be chosen via Random.org  The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond  or they forfeit their prize. In this case a new winner will be chosen!  Good luck to all!

I was not monetarily compensated for  this post. Swaddle Designs did provide me with the Ultimate Receiving Blanket for product  review, and will also be providing the winners with one as well. 

Photos courtesy of Swaddle Desings.